Asian cup tickets

DUBAI: Japan's J League started in 1993. At the same time, the national team was doing well in qualification for the 1994 World Cup and what would be a first appearance on the global stage. Going into the final game against Iraq in Qatar, the Samurai Blue just had to win to book their ticket. The goal was duly scored, and at halftime the team's Dutch coach, Hans Ooft, wrote "45 minutes to the World Cup" on the whiteboard in the dressing room. Iraq equalised soon after the break, but Japan restored their lead and were in front with just seconds to go.Then it happened. Jaffar Osman Salman rose in the area and his header looped ever so slowly, ever so painfully, over the head of the goalkeeper. Suddenly it was 2-2, Japanese players were sinking to their knees and South Korea, who had already won their game and were lying down on the turf thinking it was all over, were celebrating instead.Years later, Ooft theorised that the heartbreak of 1993 had been an important … [Read more...] about India must turn ‘Sorrow of Sharjah’ at Asian Cup into fuel for fire

DUBAI – The Philippine Azkals are asking for the support of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare to compete in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time ever. The Azkals arrived in Dubai last week ahead of the Asian Cup, which takes place from January 5 to February 1. Twenty-four teams, divided into six groups, will face off in the continental showpiece. The Azkals were drawn into Group C along with South Korea, China, and Kyrgyzstan. Philippines coach Sven Goran-Eriksson admits that they are in a tough group but still hopes to advance. READ: Azkals reveal lineup for 2019 Asian Cup "You know, we're not the favorite to win this tournament, but we hope that we can go to the next round," he said. "To be the first, second, or maybe third in the group. That's our target." Eriksson adds that the support of the Filipino fans will be a massive boost to the Azkals. "It's very nice to see a lot of Filipino people, and of course, we hope they come to the stadium on Monday when … [Read more...] about News
Azkals ask for OFWs’ support ahead of Asian Cup

Malditas seek to buck odds in AFC Women's Asian Cup Olmin Leyba (philstar.com) - April 5, 2018 - 5:53pm MANILA, Philippines – They may be facing tall odds but underdog Philippine Malditas expressed belief their ambitious target in the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, which they open Friday night against host Jordan, is actually achievable. With hard work and determination, the Malditas, who are appearing in Asia's premiere bootfest for the first time under the current qualification process, hope to spring surprises against Jordan at 8 p.m. Friday (1 a.m. Saturday Manila time), and later on China and Thailand, as they bid to clinch one of five berths to the 2019 France Fifa Women's World Cup up for grabs in the Amman tourney. "We have nothing to lose. Nobody's watching (out) for us; Jordan, China and Thailand, they don't care about the Philippines but they'll be surprised," said the Philipines' French coach Rabah Benlarbi. … [Read more...] about Malditas seek to buck odds in AFC Women’s Asian Cup

MANILA, Philippines—It was only fitting that in the biggest match in Philippine football history, the country's greatest goal-scorer would put his stamp on the game. Phil Younghusband entered Tuesday's match against Tajikistan having scored 49 international goals for the Philippine Azkals. He was already the leading goal-scorer in the history of the Philippines, but another one would put him in rarefied air among footballers. But the veteran striker was insistent that he was more concerned about getting a favorable team result, rather than scoring his 50th goal. The Azkals needed just a draw against Tajikistan in order to advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. "The 50th goal can wait for another time," Younghusband said on Monday. READ: Kevin Ingreso struggles for words in unbelievable turnaround for Azkals As it turned out, Younghusband got them both – a historic 50th goal and a massive victory that sent the Azkals to the Asian Cup for the first time ever. The match was … [Read more...] about News
Football: Asian Cup, not 50th goal, is what matters most to Phil Younghusband

Azkals punch historic Asian Cup ticket with 2-1 win over Tajikistan (philstar.com) - March 27, 2018 - 9:40pm MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals earned a historic berth to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup with a massive 2-1 victory over a visiting Tajikistan squad at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Tuesday night. Phil Younghusband’s 50th international goal — a penalty kick at the 90th minute — could not have come at a more opportune time, giving the Filipino booters the separation after Kevin Ingreso tied the knot 1-1 with a header at the 75th minute. Heading into tonight’s match, the Azkals just needed a draw to book their first ever AFC Asian Cup appearance. … [Read more...] about Azkals punch historic Asian Cup ticket with 2-1 win over Tajikistan